[US Stock Market Panic Rises, VIX Volatility Index Exceeds 20] As the US stock market experienced a sell-off, investor risk aversion intensified significantly, with the S&P 500 Volatility Index (VIX) rising 3 points to 20.17, having touched 22.31 intraday, a recent high. The VIX index's renewed rise above the 20 mark indicates a significant increase in market concerns about short-term stock market volatility.